Some are artistic. But many are massive paintings commemorating terrorist groups like the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Other murals indicate who is and isn’t welcome in different areas.

Politicians want to give Northern Ireland’s reputation a makeover and are keen to ditch the most violent and aggressive murals for more upbeat and friendly ones.

A Belfast politician last week was one of the latest to ask that the city’s violent murals are replaced with “positive images”. We decided to help him out.

Party terrorists

Less war, more parties!

Friendly skeleton

This skeleton seemed too angry.

Welcome to Free Derry!!

This corner of Derry was a nationalist (Catholic) stronghold controlled by locals and members of the IRA between 1969 and 1972. Thousands of British troops moved in with armoured cars and bulldozers to occupy the area in 1972.

This mural still stands as a reminder of that time when people from the “wrong side” weren’t welcome. We decided to make it more friendly.

You take care now

Murals serve as signs that show you aren’t welcome in many other areas too. We’ve given this one a more positive spin.